Looking for romantic things to do in Eksjö? This charming Småland town combines colourful wooden streets, quiet lakes, forest walks and relaxed cafés, making it an easy destination for a weekend together. Whether you prefer slow sightseeing, outdoor adventures or simple date ideas, Eksjö offers plenty of ways to spend meaningful time as a couple.
Why Eksjö is a romantic destination
Eksjö is one of Sweden’s best preserved wooden towns, with historic buildings, cobbled streets and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages you to slow down. The town is compact enough to explore on foot, but the surrounding countryside adds opportunities for hiking, swimming, cycling and scenic day trips.
Unlike larger city destinations, Eksjö does not require a packed schedule. Many of the best couples activities here are simple: sharing a coffee in a historic courtyard, wandering through the old town, taking a lakeside walk or finding a quiet viewpoint in the forest. This relaxed pace is part of the town’s appeal.
Romantic things to do in Eksjö’s old town
Wander through Eksjö’s wooden town centre
A walk through Eksjö’s old town is one of the most enjoyable date ideas in the area. The historic centre is filled with wooden houses in different colours, narrow lanes, small courtyards and carefully preserved architectural details. Many buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, giving the neighbourhood a distinctive character.
Take your time rather than following a strict route. Look for carved doors, old shop signs and unusual details around the façades. The streets around the old town are especially atmospheric in the morning, when they are quiet, or in the evening, when the light softens the colours of the buildings.
For a more engaging walk, take turns choosing the next street or building to photograph. You can also create a small photo challenge, looking for the most beautiful doorway, the oldest-looking house or the best window display. These small activities make sightseeing feel more personal and give you memories to look back on after your visit.
Visit Eksjö Museum
Eksjö Museum is a useful stop for couples who want to understand the town’s history and culture. Exhibitions cover local life, art, military history and the development of Eksjö and the surrounding region. The museum can also give context to the old wooden buildings you see outside.
Visiting a museum together is a good rainy-day option and one of the easiest couples activities to add to a weekend itinerary. Discuss which exhibition you enjoyed most, then continue the conversation over coffee nearby. Allow enough time to explore at an unhurried pace, especially if you enjoy local history and design.
Explore Stora Torget and the historic streets nearby
Stora Torget, the main square, is a natural place to pause during your walk. From here, you can continue into the surrounding historic streets, browse local shops and find a café for a warm drink or something sweet.
A square can be a surprisingly good setting for a date because it gives you room to sit, talk and watch the town go by. Visit during the day for a livelier atmosphere, or return in the early evening when the centre often feels quieter. If you are visiting during a local event or market, the square may also provide a chance to sample regional food and see more of the town’s community life.
Step inside Eksjö Church
Eksjö Church stands close to the historic centre and is worth visiting for its architecture and calm interior. The church has a long history, and its interior details reflect the town’s connection with Småland’s past.
Even if you only stay for a short visit, it can be a peaceful break from walking. Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, sit quietly together and notice how different the atmosphere feels from the busy streets outside. Check opening times before you go, as access can vary depending on services and events.
Enjoy relaxed food and café date ideas
Have coffee in a historic setting
Swedish fika is one of the simplest and most enjoyable date ideas in Eksjö. Choose a café in or near the old town, order coffee or tea with a pastry, and make time for conversation rather than rushing to the next attraction.
Look for a place with outdoor seating in warmer weather, especially one overlooking a historic street or courtyard. On cooler days, a cosy interior can be just as inviting. Try a traditional cinnamon bun, a slice of cake or a seasonal pastry to share. Sharing one treat can turn an ordinary coffee stop into a small occasion.
Plan a local food stop
For couples who enjoy food, make a point of trying local or seasonal dishes during your stay. Småland is associated with traditional Swedish home cooking, forest ingredients and produce from nearby farms. Menus change throughout the year, so ask restaurant staff what is currently in season.
A relaxed lunch followed by a walk is often more practical than saving every meal for the evening. In the evening, choose a restaurant where you can sit comfortably and take your time. If you are visiting on a weekend, booking ahead is sensible, particularly during summer or around local events.
Pack a picnic for two
A picnic is among the most flexible romantic things to do in Eksjö. Pick up bread, cheese, fruit, pastries and something to drink, then find a quiet green space or lakeside spot. You do not need elaborate equipment. A small blanket and reusable cups are usually enough.
Hunsnäsen and other green areas close to the town can work well for a relaxed outdoor meal, provided conditions and access are suitable. Bring a rubbish bag and leave the area clean. If you are visiting in summer, an early evening picnic can offer a beautiful way to end the day without needing a formal reservation.
Take a romantic walk beside the water
Walk around Hunsnäsen
Hunsnäsen is a popular recreational area near Eksjö and a good choice when you want to combine nature with convenience. A walk beside the water gives you time to talk while enjoying open views, trees and the changing light across the lake.
The area can suit different energy levels. Take a short stroll if you have already spent the day sightseeing, or continue farther if you want more exercise. In summer, you may also find opportunities for swimming, depending on the location and current local conditions. Bring a towel and check any posted information before entering the water.
For a particularly peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. The quieter atmosphere makes it easier to enjoy the landscape, and the low light is often ideal for photographs.
Discover nearby lakes and swimming spots
The countryside around Eksjö includes numerous lakes, giving couples plenty of options for a relaxed day outdoors. Ask at your accommodation or the local tourist information service about accessible swimming areas, walking routes and current conditions.
On a warm day, combine a swim with a picnic and a short hike. On cooler days, simply sit by the water with a thermos and watch the landscape. Bring layers, as Swedish weather can change quickly even during summer, and avoid leaving valuables unattended while swimming.
Explore the forest together
Hike at Skurugata nature reserve
Skurugata nature reserve is one of the most memorable outdoor destinations near Eksjö. The reserve is known for its dramatic rock formations and narrow ravine, creating a more adventurous setting than the gentle paths around town.
Walking through the reserve can be one of the best couples activities for visitors who enjoy nature and a little challenge. The terrain may be uneven and can become slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time. Stay on marked paths where possible and follow local signs, particularly around steep or rocky sections.
Pack water and a simple lunch so you can pause during the walk. A shared snack at a viewpoint or beside the rocks gives you time to enjoy the setting instead of treating the hike as a race. Before setting out, check the weather forecast and make sure the route matches your experience and fitness level.
Look for quiet forest trails
You do not need to travel far from Eksjö to experience Småland’s forests. Pine and spruce woodland surrounds the town, with trails and roads that are well suited to gentle walks, photography and cycling. Ask locally about current trail conditions, since some routes may be wet or less suitable after heavy rain.
Bring a small thermos and make your own forest fika. Choose a safe place to sit, respect private land and follow Sweden’s outdoor access principles. If you pick berries or mushrooms, only collect species you can identify with certainty and make sure the area allows it.
Try active date ideas in Eksjö
Rent bicycles for a countryside outing
Cycling is a practical way to see more of the area without spending the entire day in a car. Quiet country roads, forest landscapes and small lakes create a scenic backdrop for a two-person ride. Ask your accommodation or a local rental provider about bicycle availability and suggested routes.
Choose a distance that leaves room for stops. A short ride to a lake, farm shop or café can be more enjoyable than an ambitious route that leaves you tired. Check whether your bikes include lights, locks and repair equipment, and remember that rural roads may have limited shoulders.
Play a round of golf
If you both enjoy golf, a round at a course near Eksjö can make a relaxed daytime date. The forested Småland landscape gives many courses a scenic atmosphere, while the shared activity creates natural conversation between holes.
Golf courses may require advance booking, and some have different rules for visitors, equipment rental and dress. Check details before travelling. Even if you are new to the sport, a shorter practice session or introductory round can be a fun alternative to a full game.
Go canoeing or kayaking
Water activities can add a sense of adventure to a romantic weekend. Depending on the season and local availability, canoeing or kayaking on a nearby lake can be a memorable way to spend a few hours together.
Always use suitable safety equipment, check the weather and ask the rental provider about launch points and permitted areas. Beginners should choose calm water and stay close to shore. Pack dry clothes in a waterproof bag, and plan a meal or fika for after the trip.
Plan a romantic weekend in Eksjö
A gentle one-day itinerary
Start with breakfast or fika in town, then spend the morning exploring the wooden streets and visiting Eksjö Museum. Have lunch near the historic centre before taking a walk around Hunsnäsen in the afternoon. Finish with dinner and an evening stroll through the old town.
This schedule works well because it leaves space for spontaneous stops. You can browse a shop, sit in a courtyard or extend the lakeside walk without feeling that you are late for the next activity.
A two-day itinerary for couples
On the first day, focus on the town. Walk through the historic centre, visit Eksjö Museum, see Eksjö Church and enjoy a long fika. In the evening, choose a restaurant and return to the old town for a quiet walk.
Use the second day for nature. Visit Skurugata nature reserve if you want a more active outing, or choose a lake walk and picnic for a slower pace. Cycling, swimming and canoeing can be added depending on the season, opening hours and weather.
When to visit Eksjö as a couple
Summer is the easiest season for outdoor date ideas, with longer days and good conditions for swimming, cycling and picnics. The town can be busier during holidays, so book accommodation and restaurants early if you are visiting in July or during an event.
Spring and early autumn are often appealing for walking, with cooler temperatures and changing colours in the forest. Winter brings shorter days but can create a peaceful atmosphere in the old town. Check opening hours carefully, as some attractions and cafés operate on reduced schedules outside the main season.
Practical tips for romantic things to do in Eksjö
- Wear comfortable shoes because the old town and nature areas are best explored on foot.
- Bring a rain jacket and an extra layer, even during summer.
- Reserve accommodation and dinner in advance during weekends and local festivals.
- Check opening times for Eksjö Museum, Eksjö Church, cafés and activity providers before setting out.
- Carry water and snacks for forest walks, especially when visiting Skurugata nature reserve.
- Use public transport, a bicycle or a car depending on your chosen lakes and outdoor activities.
- Respect nature by staying on marked paths, following local notices and taking rubbish with you.
- Keep your schedule flexible. Some of the most enjoyable moments may come from an unplanned café stop or a quiet walk.
Make your Eksjö date personal
The best romantic experiences in Eksjö do not have to be expensive or complicated. Choose activities that give you time to talk, whether that means a museum visit, a forest walk, a shared fika or a picnic by the water. You can make the day more personal by writing down a few places you want to see, taking photographs for a small travel album or choosing one local treat to remember the trip.
With its historic wooden centre, accessible nature and unhurried atmosphere, Eksjö makes it easy to create a weekend that feels special without overplanning. Mix one or two organised activities with plenty of time to wander, and you will have a flexible list of romantic things to do in Eksjö for every season.